A
neutral color palate and wall-hung vanity give this bath a
modern aesthetic.

If youíve been
inspired to go a little mod in your home, join the club. The trend
toward clean lines and streamlined spaces in residential interiors has
really taken off. Even if you still lean toward the traditional,
mixing in a little modern flair can freshen up your home. Three local
experts share some ideas: Stephanie Quinn, designer at OAR in Elm
Grove; Orry De Young, interior designer at Rubinís Furniture,
Milwaukee; and Tom Hoffman, president of Tom Hoffman Design,
Milwaukee.

1] "Declutter!
Pare down and organize your space," Hoffman says.

2] Neutrals
really modernize a space: taupe, tan and gray in varying shades look
great in contemporary interiors, Hoffman says. And color isnít just
for the walls, consider painting the ceiling, too.

3] Mix your
traditional furnishings with new pieces like a sleek, contemporary
table in metal or light wood, De Young says. If you want to change
your house over time, the transitional look works well. What do you do
if you have an ornate piece of furniture, like a family heirloom, that
you want to keep in the room? Place it against a simple backdrop,
Hoffman says. Youíll have impact, but your space will still have a
modern feel.

4] Hang artwork
in groupings, Hoffman says. "I grouped 12 botanicals, identically
matted and simply framed, and hung them from the floor to the ceiling.
This configuration gave traditional prints a modern look."

5] In the
kitchen, replace cabinet doors. "Raised panels can look dated so
install simple slab doors instead," Quinn says. "Or, if you
donít want to replace the cabinetry or doors, get new
hardware."